Science and technology are extremely
popular with today's young people in cities like Alcantarilla, as well as being
a way to have professional opportunities in the future. Participating at a
young age in technology-related activities is a great way to stimulate interest
in these fields, develop mastery of the technologies needed for the future and
energize the classroom so that children are more motivated.
Why
robots?
As technology has advanced, the
accessibility of robotics to the average person has also improved. Years ago,
robotic kits for children were limited to simple structures and motors.
Currently, the kits that are used in educational robotics activities are
sophisticated enough that they can incorporate a large number of sensors and
motors, as well as the possibility of linking them to a computer to allow
programming experiences to the children.
The vast majority of children enjoy
practical building activities. In educational robotics activities, children
build their own robots, which makes them motivated because they feel that the
future robot they build depends on their work. It also encourages the
children's ability to interact because they work as a team and also show their
colleagues (or teachers) what they have learned and what robots can do thanks
to the many subsystems involved (structure, movement, sensors , Programming,
manipulation, etc.).
Problem
solving and training for future careers
The design process used by engineers
begins with understanding the capabilities and limitations of their tools and
equipment, researching and understanding the problem that occupies them,
conceptualizing a solution to that problem, building that solution, putting
Test their operation, and review their solution based on their performance. In
educational robotics activities the same philosophy is applied, although of
course it adapts to each age group according to the abilities of the children.
Incorporating the programming
component allows children to develop deeper issues such as remote sensing,
control and autonomous functioning. The activity of educational robotics has
the potential to make computer programming a less abstract task and thus involve
young people who would not otherwise be interested in technology or
engineering.
In educational robotics activities,
children design and build robots based on kits with specific parts. The fact
that they have to mount the robot with certain pieces, forces the children to
find a solution based on objectives with limited resources and this encourages
their creativity and helps them to understand what work means by objectives.
Technology and ICT Teacher
IES Francisco Salzillo
